Help yourself and your family by being prepared before a disaster strikes. Here are a few simple guidelines to follow:

* Arrange NOW with a relative or friend out of this area to take messages from you in an emergency; advise relative to call ONLY that telephone number to inquire about your safety. Phone lines in the area might be damaged and, if not, they will be heavily utilized.

* Keep irreplaceable papers such as birth & marriage certificates, deeds, car titles, FLOOD insurance and HOMEOWNERS policies, etc. in one spot so they can easily be placed in waterproof bags for transport in the event an evacuation is ordered.

* Stock up on nonperishable essentials such as canned foods, bottled water and plastic utensils.

* If you have a pet, purchase a pet carrier and arrange with a vet or animal shelter to have your pet housed during an emergency. Shot records are important. NOTE: NO PETS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED IN THE EVACUATION CENTER! You may, however, leave your pet in your vehicle while you are in the shelter. You will be able (weather permitting) to go out o your car to give food and water and walk the pet if necessary. Any animal let out of the car must be on a leash! Take lots of newspapers and paper towels and any medications. Carry water in unbreakable containers. If you have a two story home, pets may be left upstairs with adequate water and food to last several days.

* Make sure your vehicle is serviced with a full tank of gas.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

If you are in need of transportation or special help in order to evacuate, register with your municipal Office of Emergency Management now! Do not wait until an emergency strikes!

WHEN A WARNING IS ANNOUNCED

* Tune to your local radio, TV station, or 1650 AM for information.

* Clear your property of loose objects, bicycles, lawn ornaments, furniture, garbage cans, signs, propane tanks or anything else that could float or become a flying projectile. Do not wait until the last minute!

* Relocate pets to a safe location with adequate water and food. Take necessary medications and rabies certificates.

* Move your boat to a safe harbor and moor securely. Do not stay with the boat!

* Shutter or board all windows and secure double door entrances. Take down awnings and tape windows.

* Gather important items to take to the shelter in the even of an evacuation such as: prescription medications, eyeglasses, blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, lawn chairs, cash, credit cards, checkbook, expensive jewelry, change of clothing, important documents (family photos, insurance policies, stock certificates, etc. secured in a waterproof container), necessary toiletries, flashlight, infant needs, books and magazines. PLAN ON BEING SELF SUFFICIENT FOR THE FIRST 48 HOURS!

* Store drinking water in clean containers. Fill the bathtub with water to use upon your return in the event that public water is contaminated.

WHEN TOLD TO EVACUATE ... Do so without hesitation! The longer you wait to leave, the more likely you will encounter vehicular gridlockas Long Beach Island and Stafford Twp. residents converge onto Rt. 72, the ONLY access Westbound.

You may be told to evacuate via radio, television, reverse 911 or loud speakers from emergency vehicles. Call your contact: tell them where you are going.

Place nonperishable food, bottled water, toiletries, prescription medications, valuables, important documents,sleeping bags, first aid kit, flashlight, radio with batteries, change of clothing and special needs items in the trunk of your car.

***Be sure the car has a full tank of gas as you may be in traffic a long time.

***Shut off the WATER, GAS and ELECTRIC UTILITIES if told to do so.

***Call any neighbors who you know may need transportation and offer your help.

***Secure your home and LEAVE! Follow directions given by Emergency Management personnel. They have current information to help you evacuate to a safe area.

RETURNING TO LONG BEACH ISLAND

Returning may take a long time as municipal authorities strive to make their communities as safe as possible. Be patient and drive safely!

* Remain in your shelter until told by local authorities that it is safe to leave.

* Keep tuned to local radio and TV stations for advice and instructions from Emergency Management about medical help, emergency housing, clothing and food assistance, ways to help yourself and your community.